Cancellation dates?

[Tickertalker]

Hi all, Can anybody clarify this for me. My surgery was recently cancelled to make way for an emergency operation. In the letter that I received about my appointment it warns me of this possibility and says 'The Patients' Charter stipulates that a new date has to be given within a month'. Does this mean that the surgery itself will be within a month or that I will receive a letter telling me when the surgery will be within a month?

[stevejb1810]

Unfortunately, no don’t think it does. I think it just means you’ll get a new date. In truth, given the current situation, even if you were to get a new date the chances are, that unless you are an emergency case, it’ll get rescheduled as more NHS resources get moved to deal with the covid-19 crisis. We are already in the position of all elective surgery having been cancelled, it is only a matter of time before all non critical surgery follows suit.

[Tickertalker in reply to stevejb1810]

Thanks. Truth be known, with coronavirus cases increasing exponentially, I think I would rather wait now. Losing my slot is all a bit shattering but it is what it is. There are certainly real risks involved in delaying but, right now, I don't want to leave the house for a much needed haircut never mind open heart surgery.

[stevejb1810 in reply to Tickertalker]

You’ll be going back to the 70s with the hairstyle then 😂

[Hidden]

Under current circumstances, i would take everythign with a pinch of salt until you are actually in the prep room for the op. Following my TOE, my situation has been reclassified as 'urgent' - but i'm only expecting to undergo an AVR when i get dragged off to A&E in an Ambulance and survive the episode.

Sorry if that sounds pessimistic, I'm normally an upbeat sort of guy, but given how things are progressing with Covid 19, i'm not sure normal rules apply anymore.

You could keep an eye out for Dustin Hoffman (Outbreak) - his presence could be more positive...

[stevejb1810 in reply to Hidden]

Not pessimistic, more it’s realistic